john boehner and republicans decided they want to have an argument over the debt ceiling, because of the new year we will be better positioned. they quickly have realized that is not going to be the lever they thought it would be. host: you have covered three presidents, clinton, bush, and now president obama. people say the political divide between these branches is stronger now than it has been in years. you agree or disagree? guest: i absolutely agree. host: why/ guest: i think it is a building that has been taking place frankly since the past couple administrations. it was the war in iraq. for the republicans, the government spending. it is also the election system and the way we run our primaries. we have a more ideological- purified house of representatives than we have had in a very long time. that is because some people would argue redistricting, as well, which in the past election both parties to it. in the states where democrats are not in control they redraw the districts to make the majority democrats. the republican side as well. this is the first time republicans have c